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Zone 7 awards
The Zone 7 Water Agency received two prestigious engineering awards last month — the Engineering Excellence Honor Award and the National Recognition Award — from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) for the water agency’s Stoneridge PFAS Treatment Plant.
The facility was constructed in 2022 to remove PFAS chemicals, otherwise known as forever chemicals, from the Tri-Valley’s water supply.
According to the agency, the ACEC each year recognizes “outstanding engineering and land surveying projects across California and the nation”. The awards acknowledge projects like the treatment facility for their “quality, complexity, and innovation”.
“The Stoneridge PFAS Treatment Plant represents an important investment in protecting groundwater quality and ensuring a safe and reliable drinking water supply for the Tri-Valley community,” Zone 7 General Manager Valerie Pryor said in a press release.
AI impact on youth webinar
The Alan Hu Foundation, a Pleasanton-based nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and research, will be hosting a webinar next Tuesday (April 14) focusing on the benefits and risks that come from younger people using artificial intelligence companions.
The free webinar, titled “What Do We Know About AI Companions and Their Impact on Young People?” will feature Dr. Campos‐Castillo, a media and information associate professor at Michigan State University, who from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will talk about what the world currently knows about AI companions and the best ways to keep young people safe.
Interested parties must reserve a spot by Monday (April 13). To do so and to learn more about the event, visit www.alanhufoundation.org.
Clean water grants
The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program is currently accepting applications for its 2026 Community Stewardship Grants, which offer up to $6,000 for every project that helps prevent stormwater pollution and protects creeks and other local watersheds in the Bay Area.
According to the program, stormwater pollution refers to when rainwater washes litter, oil, waste and other contaminants from the streets into the storm drains, which then flows directly into the creeks, wetlands and even the bay itself.
“Eligible applicants include teachers and student groups, youth organizations, community and environmental groups, homeowner associations and non-profit organizations,” according to a press release from the countywide program. “Proposed activities can range from litter cleanups, creek restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement projects to art and multimedia projects, community outreach events and more.”
Each project must be implemented within the county. Applications will be open until May 4. To learn more and to download the application materials, visit www.cleanwaterprogram.org.
Blood donation opportunities
This weekend, Pleasanton and Tri-Valley residents who stop by the Pleasanton Blood Donation Center on West Las Positas Boulevard to donate blood or platelets may be able to receive an exclusive American Red Cross and Life is Good t-shirt.
Life is Good is an apparel company known for its optimistic designs.
“For us, partnering with the Red Cross was a natural fit, because giving blood is proof that one person and one simple act can make a real difference,” Linne Kimball, vice president of strategic partnerships for Life is Good, said in a March 27 press release.
Residents can stop by the donation center, located at 5880 W. Las Positas Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. this Friday through Sunday.
